1. Branching, hair-like structure that grows on the bodies of birds
   "The peacock's tail feathers were a dazzling display of colours"

1. Grow feathers
   "The young sparrows are feathering already";
   - fledge
    
2. Cover or fit with feathers
   "The arrow was feathered for better flight"
    
3. Join tongue and groove, in carpentry
   "The carpenter feathered the boards together for a tight fit"
    
4. (computer graphics) blend the pixels of an image with those of a background or a neighbouring image
   "The designer feathered the edges of the photo to create a softer look"
    
5. (canoeing) turn the paddle so the blade is parallel to the water flow
   "She feathered her paddle to reduce resistance between strokes"
    
6. (rowing) turn the oar so the blade is parallel to the water but in the air, reducing resistance and noise
   "The crew feathered their oars as they glided towards the finish line"
    
7. Change the angle of the blades of an aircraft propeller so they are parallel to the air flow (reducing drag and stopping windmilling)
   "The pilot feathered the propeller of the damaged engine to reduce drag"

Derived forms: feathered, feathering, feathers

Type of: acquire, animal material, conjoin [formal], cover, develop, get, grow, join, produce

Encyclopedia: Feather, Leonard